Raptor Squad swarm Northern NSW in interstate operation – Operation Northern Borders

Friday, 08 November 2024 10:55:19 AM

Operation Northern Borders is an interstate investigation targeting organised crime and OMCG activities on the NSW and Queensland border involving the NSW Police Forces’ Raptor Squad, the Queensland Police Service, the NSW Crime Commission and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.

During the operation, police conducted 15 Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) compliance checks, arrested 10 people and laid 48 charges and charged for multiple offences including weapon and drug charges.

Police located and seized a firearm, eight prohibited weapons, a knife, $39,000 in cash, three stolen motor vehicles, one stolen motorcycle and a stolen caravan.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis, Commander of Raptor Squad, said its vital for interstate law enforcement to work together to target criminals operating on our state borders.

“Criminals think the moment they cross the border we can’t get them and that they are safe from the consequences of their actions. However, the reality can’t be further from the truth.

“NSW and Queensland Police are always working together to bring criminals on either side of the border justice,” Det Supt Koutsoufis said.

“For those criminals who try to run and hide from police, know you can’t because we will find you and we will put you before the courts.”

Incidents of note include:

About 7.30am on Monday 4 November 2024, police conducted a FPO compliance check at a unit in Kingscliff. During a search of the home, police located and seized a taser and Nazi flag. Following the search police arrested a 17-year-old girl before taking her to Tweed Heads Police Station. She was charged by virtue of four outstanding warrants and refused bail to appear before Children’s Court the same day.
About 9.10am on Monday 4 November 2024, police conducted a FPO compliance check at a home in Goonellabah. During the search police located and seized a caravan – allegedly stolen from Queensland – a sawn-off rifle, ammunition, 42 grams of MDMA, small amounts of cocaine and methylamphetamine, almost a kilo of cannabis and $1,800 cash. Following the search police arrested a 25-year-old man before taking him to Lismore Police Station. He was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug, two counts of possess/attempt to, prescribed restricted substance, recklessly deal with proceeds of crime less than $5,000 and possess prohibited drug. The man was refused bail to appear before Lismore Local Court on Tuesday 5 November 2024.
About 7.30am on Tuesday 5 November 2024, police executed a search warrant at a property in Nobbys Creek, following an investigation into the robbery and vehicle theft of a home in Upper Main Arm. During the search police located and seized multiple stolen vehicles, stolen registration plates, 100 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 27 grams of cannabis and multiple electronic devices. Following the search police arrested two men, aged 35 and 41, before taking them to Tweed Heads Police Station. The 35-year-old was charged with three counts of goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, two counts of receive property theft serious indictable offence more than $5,000, two counts of unlawfully possess thing resembles number, supply prohibited drug more than commercial quantity, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit and dishonestly interfere/copy unique identifier. The 41-year-old was charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period and dishonestly interfere/copy unique identifier. Both men were refused bail to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court on Wednesday 6 November 2024.
About 11.40am on Wednesday 6 November 2024, police attended a property on Cudgera Creek Road in Cudgera Creek, following reports a man wanted for allegedly violent offences was on the property. On arrival police located an unknown man fleeing from the property and attempt to hide in nearby creek. Officers arrested the 33-year-old man before taking him to Tweed Heads Police Station. Following the arrest, police executed a crime scene warrant at the home, locating and seizing an allegedly stolen vehicle, a sickle, multiple fireworks, small amounts of cannabis and multiple electronic devices. The man was charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The 33-year-old was refused bail to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court yesterday (Thursday 7 November 2024).
About 7.30am yesterday, officers executed an FPO compliance check on a home on Second Avenue, Tweed Heads. During a search of the property, police located a man allegedly attempting to hide a crossbow behind a fence. The crossbow, a crossbow stock and multiple arrows were located and seized. The man, aged 33, was arrested and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station. He was charged with use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order and possess or sue a prohibited weapon without permit. The man was granted conditional bail to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday 25 November 2024.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

NSW Melanoma Hotspot Map Unveils High-Risk Areas

The Cancer Institute NSW has released a new melanoma hotspot map, highlighting regions with the highest melanoma rates in the state. According to the data, local government areas (LGAs) of Ballina, Lismore, Byron, Clarence Valley, and Coffs Harbour lead with the most cases, with nearly 350 diagnoses anticipated across these areas in 2024.

Rounding out the top 10 are Sutherland Shire, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Tweed, Kempsey, and Richmond Valley. Meanwhile, Mosman, Mid-Western Regional, Shoalhaven, Cessnock, and Wagga Wagga LGAs have entered the top 25.

Melanoma is one of the most common cancers affecting young Australians and ranks as the third most diagnosed cancer in NSW, with over 5,000 new cases projected statewide this year. As the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma is expected to claim the lives of nearly 500 people in NSW in 2024.

While most cases are due to UV overexposure, this type of skin cancer can largely be prevented with proper sun protection. The Cancer Institute NSW, under its 2023–2030 Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy, is working to reduce skin cancer rates through various initiatives, including the “If You Could See UV” campaign. This award-winning campaign, which has proven effective in inspiring skin protection among young adults, is being relaunched this summer with geo-targeted UV alerts and outdoor advertising, especially in high-exposure areas frequented by young people.

To guard against UV radiation, the Cancer Institute NSW advocates for these essential steps before heading outdoors:

1. Slip on protective clothing
2. Slop on SPF50+ sunscreen, applied 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours
3. Slap on a wide-brimmed hat
4. Seek shade
5. Slide on sunglasses

NSW’s Top 25 Melanoma-Prone LGAs:

1. Ballina
2. Lismore
3. Byron
4. Clarence Valley
5. Coffs Harbour
6. Sutherland Shire
7. Port Macquarie-Hastings
8. Tweed
9. Kempsey
10. Richmond Valley
11. Nambucca Valley
12. Kiama
13. Port Stephens
14. Bathurst Regional
15. Mid-Coast
16. Lake Macquarie
17. Mosman
18. Mid-Western Regional
19. Northern Beaches
20. Shoalhaven
21. Cessnock
22. Wagga Wagga
23. Central Coast
24. Wingecarribee
25. Newcastle

For additional resources on skin cancer prevention, visit the Cancer Institute NSW website.

Health Minister Ryan Park commented:
“This melanoma hotspot map is a critical reminder to practice sun safety, especially as summer approaches. While melanoma cases are highest in regional areas, everyone in NSW faces the risk of skin cancer. Given Australia’s global ranking in skin cancer rates, we all have a responsibility to follow protective measures to mitigate this deadly disease.”

Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan shared:
“Here on the Northern Beaches, outdoor activities are part of life. However, enjoying the sun safely is essential. I lost my father to melanoma, and I understand the need for prevention. Sun safety starts with each of us embracing and promoting a sun-smart culture. Slip, slop, slap, seek, and slide should be a daily routine.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM, stated:
“Two in three Australians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Consistent protection from UV exposure, starting young and continuing into adulthood, is essential to reducing risk. Even short periods in the sun without protection can be dangerous. Whether it’s a beach day or running errands, I urge everyone to practice sun safety.”

Personal stories highlight the risks and importance of sun protection:

• Anne Gately, a melanoma survivor, emphasized the need for community responsibility in sun protection, saying, “Every bit of UV exposure contributes to cumulative damage, whether you feel it or not.”
• Sonia Knight, currently undergoing immunotherapy for melanoma recurrence, stressed, “Tanning isn’t worth the risk. My daughters never leave the house without sunscreen. I encourage others to lean on resources like Canteen and Melanoma Patients Australia for support.”

This comprehensive approach to melanoma awareness and prevention aims to foster a culture of sun safety across NSW.

The Northern Rivers Times – Edition 225 Out Now!

Grab the latest edition of The Northern Rivers Times, available at all newsagents, Woolworths Supermarkets, General and Rural Stores, Ampol Foodary, and select service stations from Coffs Harbour to Coolangatta.

This Week’s Main Stories:

• EXCLUSIVE:  Singer Shannon Noll Honoured with Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage
• Kyogle and Tweed Mayors Share Their Hopes and Goals
• NRPP Rejects $80M DA on Floodplain
• Duck Race – You’d Be Quackers to Miss It!
• Cheers to Beers at Frida’s Field
• Council Reconsiders Pool Complex Name
• Ken Weeks to Celebrate 111 Years – Our Oldest Resident
• Kerbside EV Charging Launches in Ballina Shire
• Help Save Our Shorebirds – Stay Off the Dunes
• Janelle Saffin on Historic Rental Reforms
• Byron CoLab Opens at Former Byron Bay Hospital Site

And much, much more!